COVID 19 and What to Do About It (Manning Elliott)

March 16, 2020

PrimeGlobal continues to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to the Novel Coronavirus. Keeping our members up to date on the latest information and approach to help reduce risk is a priority. You can find more information on PrimeGlobal's dedicated page HERE>

PrimeGlobal member firm Manning Elliot gives advice on what steps to your firm should take to battle the coronavirus.

By now everyone is aware that Coronavirus is spreading, in particular within certain Canadian cities. We don’t know who carries it because of the long incubation period. If you happen to carry it already, it is unlikely you will have symptoms or become ill for some time, but you can still spread it.

In order to ensure our teams, our offices and our clients do not spread it or become infected, we are following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the objectives of which are containment.

ContainmentThe Basic Steps we each need to take while at work (or anywhere for that matter) to prevent spread and help achieve containment are:

We will continue to monitor and follow updates from CDC & WHO and respond as appropriate to new developments.

TravelAt the moment we are generally not asking people to travel for Clients, Courses, Promotion, or Conventions. If there is an imminent requirement to travel as part of an ongoing Client Engagement, we will consider the risks case by case. Travel should, as always, be coordinated through HR.

If you have recently travelled and returned from a high risk country or if you have come into contact with an individual who has returned from a high risk country please contact Human Resources immediately.

TransitCommuting to the office using Transit is generally not avoidable for many. This can present some challenges to the 4th point above (Maintain Distance). Things you can do to minimize this risk are:

- Wear Gloves for the commute

- Avoid peak period if possible (the crowded train syndrome)

Think You May Be Infected?If you have reason to believe that you, someone who lives with you, or someone in close contact with you, may be infected and may have exposed you, or if you have symptoms:

- Seek medical help (get tested and follow the medical advice given)

- Advise HR (Andrew, Sylvia, Derek) of the details

Working Remote Client Service TeamsWe already have a Work from Home policy. Please refer to the Team Manual or ask someone in our HR team if you need clarification on it. If you don’t have a security token, please ask IT using an IT ticket.

In addition, if you feel the need to avoid imminent exposure and want to work from home for a few days, you can choose to do so, subject to:

- Advising HR (Andrew, Sylvia, Derek), they need to know where each person is working from in case they need to contact you, and so others in your work group need to contact you;

- Having a laptop, security token, etc. available to you (if not you need to get one).

Working Remote Admin TeamSince much of the Admin (Finance, HR, IT, Marketing & Production Support Admin) requires onsite activity, if you feel the need to avoid imminent exposure and want to work from home for a few days, please contact Andrew, Sylvia, or Alden directly so we can consider the approach on a one-off basis.

Going ForwardThis is deadline season, we can’t afford to have anyone sidelined, so be cautions. We will continue to monitor the circumstances, and if necessary, alter the policy above to address changes.

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Manning Elliott LLP

Manning Elliott is one of the largest independent firms in British Columbia, Canada. With over 200 dedicated employees and offices in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Abbotsford, the firm has grown significantly over the years and provides services to companies operating within a wide range of industries in six major practice areas of focus, including: a private company practice, a public company practice, a not-for-profit organizations practice, a business advisory practice, a growing specialized practice area involving companies with operations in the United States, China, Japan, and Latin America, as well as a robust taxation group (both US and Canadian tax).